The first in a series of 'Brass on the Mind…in the Bandroom' workshops focusing on bringing mental health awareness, support and resilience into bandrooms across the UK, recently took place led by mental health advocate Tabby Kerwin.

The sessions have been tailored to fit the needs of bands, combining conversation and music to highlight mental health and wellbeing by focusing on areas such as language, resilience, confidence and support.

Benefits

The first band to participate was the Buxton based Burbage Band, with MD Steven Critchlow telling 4BR that the benefits were substantial.

"We all feel that it's important to keep an eye on these issues, even though there's always something to deal with that seems immediately important. That's why in the middle of contest preparations, we took time out to devote a rehearsal to a group discussion on mental health.

As a group of close friends the band should look out for each other's happiness and wellbeing, but sometimes people don't have the knowledge or awareness, and sometimes it just feels awkward."

Proud

He added: "We invited Tabby and she did the most fantastic job; breaking down barriers, building empathy, sharing information and making us laugh. It was a wonderful, thought provoking evening which was very worthwhile. I'm very proud of my band friends for embracing this."

It also struck a chord with the players, with Laura Critchlow later commenting: "Thank you so much for visiting us. It made a close band even closer."

Serious topic

Speaking about her visit Tabby added: "My thanks go to Steven and the band for inviting me and being so open-minded and welcoming. Whilst it was a serious topic, it was a great evening of chat, music and laughter as we broke down some barriers surrounding mental health and combined this with work on the band's regional test-piece.

I believe that it helped highlight the ways to control our own mental health and wellbeing when performing and how every member of the band could make a valuable contribution both on and off stage."

Get in touch

Tabby revealed that she has already been contacted by a number of other bands to make a visit, so if you want to be part of understanding more then get in touch with her at: info@modefor.co.uk